Tag Reader

Abstract

To provide a tag reading device that effectively starts reading a tag.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a tag reading device comprises a sensor, a reader, and a processor. The sensor detects that an article is placed. The reader transmits and receives data with respect to a wireless tag attached to the article. When the processor detects that the article is placed by using the sensor, it reads an ID from the wireless tag by using the reader, after the lapse of a predetermined standby time from the reading of the ID, registers the ID, and when detecting that the article is re-placed by using the sensor before the lapse of the standby time from the reading of the ID, reads the ID from the wireless tag by using the reader.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a tag reader. [Background technology]

[0002] There is provided a tag reading device that reads a wireless tag attached to an article. When an operator inputs a predetermined operation via a touch panel or a button, the tag reading device starts reading the wireless tag attached to the article.

[0003] Conventionally, a tag reader requires an operator to input an operation in order to start reading a wireless tag. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-207119 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, a tag reader that effectively starts reading a tag is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, a tag reading device includes a sensor, a reader, and a processor. The sensor detects that an item has been set. The reader transmits and receives data to and from a wireless tag attached to the item. When the processor detects that the item has been set using the sensor, the processor reads an ID from the wireless tag using the reader, registers the ID when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the ID was read, and when the processor detects that the item has been reset using the sensor before the waiting time has elapsed since the ID was read, the processor reads the ID from the wireless tag using the reader. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tag reading system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tag reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the tag reading device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the tag reading device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. When a container such as a basket is set, the tag reading system according to the embodiment uses a reader to read IDs from wireless tags attached to items in the container, and registers the read IDs.

[0009] For example, the tag reading system is used for inspecting goods in a warehouse etc. The tag reading system may also be used for payment processing of goods.

[0010] Fig. 1 shows an external view of a tag reading system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the tag reading system 1 includes a server 10, a tag reading device 20, a container 100, and the like.

[0011] The container 100 is a container into which an operator places an article having a wireless tag attached thereto. For example, the container 100 is a basket or the like. The container 100 is set by an operator on the tag reading device 20. Here, the container 100 is loaded onto the tag reading device 20.

[0012] The server 10 controls the entire tag reading system 1. The server 10 acquires the IDs of the wireless tags attached to the articles in the container from the tag reading device 20. The server 10 stores the acquired IDs. The server 10 will be described in detail later.

[0013] The tag reading device 20 reads the ID from the wireless tag attached to the article in the container 100. The tag reading device 20 registers the read ID. Here, the tag reading device 20 transmits the read ID to the server 10 as a registration process.

[0014] The tag reading device 20 includes a reader 30, a weight sensor 40, a display unit 50, and the like. The reader 30 is a device that transmits and receives data via radio waves to and from a wireless tag attached to an item in the container 100 through an antenna provided therein. The reader 30 emits a transmission wave through the antenna. For example, the reader 30 outputs an unmodulated wave as a transmission wave through the antenna. The reader 30 receives a response wave in response to the transmission wave from the wireless tag through the antenna and demodulates it. The reader 30 acquires data from the wireless tag 2 by demodulating the response wave. Here, the reader 30 acquires an ID that identifies the wireless tag from the wireless tag. The reader 30 transmits the acquired ID to the processor 21, which will be described later.

[0015] The weight sensor 40 measures the weight of the container 100. Here, the weight sensor 40 is installed on the top of the tag reading device 20. The weight sensor 40 measures the weight of the container 100 loaded on the tag reading device 20. The weight sensor 40 transmits a sensor signal indicating the measured weight to the processor 21.

[0016] The display unit 50 displays an image according to control from the processor 21. The display unit 50 is installed in a position visible to an operator who sets the container 100 in the tag reading device 20. Here, the display unit 50 is installed on the top of the tag reading device 20. For example, the display unit 50 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. Tag reader 20 will be described in more detail below.

[0017] Next, the server 10 will be described. Fig. 2 shows a configuration example of the server 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the server 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a display unit 15. The processor 11, the memory 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 14, and the display unit 15 are connected to each other via a data bus or a predetermined interface.

[0018] The server 10 may further include components as necessary in addition to the components shown in FIG. 2, and certain components may be excluded from the server 10.

[0019] The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the server 10. The processor 11 may include an internal cache and various interfaces. The processor 11 executes programs stored in the internal memory or the memory 12 in advance to realize various processes.

[0020] Some of the various functions realized by the processor 11 executing the programs may be realized by a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor 21 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuit.

[0021] For example, the processor 11 is configured with a CPU or the like. The processor 11 may also be configured with an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like. The processor 11 may also be configured with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like.

[0022] The memory 12 stores various data. For example, the memory 12 functions as a ROM, a RAM, and an NVM. For example, the memory 12 stores a control program, control data, etc. The control program and the control data are pre-installed according to the specifications of the server 10. For example, the control program is a program that supports functions realized by the server 10.

[0023] Furthermore, the memory 12 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 11. The memory 12 may also store data necessary for executing application programs and execution results of application programs.

[0024] The communication unit 13 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the tag reader 20. For example, the communication unit 13 supports a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connection. The communication unit 13 may also support a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection.

[0025] The operation unit 14 accepts various operation inputs from an operator. The operation unit 14 transmits a signal indicating the input operation to the processor 11. For example, the operation unit 14 is configured with a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

[0026] The display unit 15 displays information under the control of the processor 11. For example, the display unit 15 is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like. When the operation unit 14 is configured with a touch panel, the display unit 15 is formed integrally with the operation unit 14.

[0027] Next, the tag reader 20 will be described. Fig. 3 shows a configuration example of the tag reading device 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the tag reading device 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication unit 23, a reader interface 24, a sensor interface 25, a display interface 26, an operation interface 27, an operation unit 28, a reader 30, a weight sensor 40, and a display unit 50. The processor 21, the reader interface 24, the sensor interface 25, the display interface 26, and the operation interface 27 are connected to each other via a data bus or a predetermined interface. The reader interface 24 is connected to the reader 30. The sensor interface 25 is connected to the weight sensor 40. The display interface 26 is connected to the display unit 50. The operation interface 27 is connected to the operation unit 28.

[0028] Note that the tag reader 20 may further include components as necessary in addition to the components shown in FIG.

[0029] The reader 30, the weight sensor 40, and the display unit 50 are as described above. Here, the reader 30 transmits and receives data to and from the wireless tag 2 attached to the article in the container 100.

[0030] The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the tag reader 20. The processor 21 may include an internal cache and various interfaces, etc. The processor 21 executes programs stored in the internal memory or the memory 22 in advance to realize various processes.

[0031] Some of the various functions realized by the processor 21 executing the programs may be realized by a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor 21 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuit.

[0032] For example, the processor 21 is configured with a CPU or the like. The processor 21 may also be configured with an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like. The processor 21 may also be configured with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like.

[0033] The memory 22 stores various data. For example, the memory 22 functions as a ROM, a RAM, and an NVM. For example, the memory 22 stores a control program, control data, etc. The control program and control data are pre-installed according to the specifications of the tag reader 20. For example, the control program is a program that supports functions realized by the tag reader 20.

[0034] Furthermore, the memory 22 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 21. Furthermore, the memory 22 may store data necessary for executing application programs, execution results of application programs, and the like.

[0035] The communication unit 23 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the tag reader 20. For example, the communication unit 23 supports a wired or wireless LAN connection. The communication unit 23 may also support a USB connection.

[0036] The reader interface 24 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the reader 30. The reader interface 24 causes the reader 30 to output a transmission wave based on control from the processor 21. The reader interface 24 also acquires the ID of the wireless tag 2 from the reader 30. The reader interface 24 transmits the acquired ID to the processor 21. The reader interface 24 may also supply power to the reader 30.

[0037] The sensor interface 25 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the weight sensor 40. The sensor interface 25 causes the weight sensor 40 to measure weight based on control from the processor 21. The sensor interface 25 also acquires a sensor signal indicating the weight measured by the weight sensor 40 from the weight sensor 40. The sensor interface 25 transmits the acquired sensor signal to the processor 21. The sensor interface 25 may also supply power to the weight sensor 40.

[0038] The display interface 26 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the display unit 50. The display interface 26 causes the display unit 50 to display an image under the control of the processor 21.

[0039] The operation interface 27 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the operation unit 28. The operation interface 27 acquires an operation signal indicating an operation input to the operation unit 28 from the operation unit 28. The operation interface 27 supplies the acquired operation signal to the processor 21. For example, the operation interface 27 supports a USB connection.

[0040] The operation unit 28 receives various operations input from an operator. The operation unit 28 transmits an operation signal indicating the input operation to the processor 21 through the operation interface 27. For example, the operation unit 28 is configured with a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like. Furthermore, the operation unit 28 as a touch panel may be formed integrally with the display unit 50.

[0041] The wireless tag 2 is activated (becomes operable) by receiving a supply of power or the like from the reader 30 or the like in a non-contact manner. The wireless tag 2 receives radio waves from the reader 30 via an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, or the like. The wireless tag 2 is activated by generating an operating power supply and an operating clock from a power supply unit driven by the radio waves.

[0042] When activated, the wireless tag 2 can communicate data with the reader 30 through the antenna. The wireless tag 2 reflects and absorbs radio waves by changing the impedance of the antenna.

[0043] For example, the wireless tag 2 receives an access password or the like from the reader 30 or the like through the antenna and establishes communication with the reader 30. The wireless tag 2 also transmits predetermined data to the reader 30 through the antenna. Here, the wireless tag 2 transmits an ID for identifying itself to the reader 30 through the antenna.

[0044] For example, the wireless tag 2 is an RFID tag. The wireless tag 2 may be compliant with GEN2 (Generation-2).

[0045] Next, a description will be given of functions realized by the server 10. The functions realized by the server 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the memory 12, or the like.

[0046] The processor 11 has a function of managing the IDs of the wireless tags 2 attached to the items in the container 100 .

[0047] The processor 11 acquires the ID of the wireless tag 2 from the tag reader 20 through the communication unit 13. When the ID of the wireless tag 2 is acquired, the processor 11 stores the acquired ID in the memory 22 or the like.

[0048] Furthermore, the processor 11 may display the acquired ID on the display unit 15 or the like in accordance with an operation by an operator or the like.

[0049] Next, a description will be given of functions realized by the tag reader 20. The functions realized by the tag reader 20 are realized by the processor 21 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the memory 22, or the like.

[0050] First, the processor 21 has a function of detecting that an article has been set in a predetermined position.

[0051] Here, the processor 21 detects that a container 100 containing an article has been loaded onto the weight sensor 40 .

[0052] The processor 21 causes the weight sensor 40 to measure the weight through the sensor interface 25. Here, the weight sensor 40 starts measuring the weight. The weight sensor 40 transmits a sensor signal indicating the measured weight to the processor 21.

[0053] The processor 21 receives a sensor signal indicating the measured weight from the weight sensor 40 through the sensor interface 25. The processor 21 receives the sensor signal from the weight sensor 40 on a continuous basis.

[0054] The processor 21 determines whether the weight indicated by the sensor signal exceeds a predetermined threshold (first threshold). For example, the first threshold is the weight of the container 100 not containing an article. When the processor 21 determines that the weight indicated by the sensor signal exceeds the first threshold, the processor 21 detects that an article has been loaded. That is, if the weight indicated by the sensor signal exceeds the weight of the container 100, the processor 21 detects that the container 100 has been loaded.

[0055] If processor 21 determines that the weight indicated by the sensor signal does not exceed the first threshold, processor 21 determines whether the weight indicated by a subsequent sensor signal exceeds the first threshold.

[0056] The processor 21 also has a function of using the reader 30 to read an ID from the wireless tag 2 attached to an article when the article is set in a predetermined position.

[0057] When detecting that an article has been loaded, the processor 21 causes the reader 30 to output a transmission wave using the reader interface 24. Here, the reader 30 outputs the transmission wave. The reader 30 receives an ID from the wireless tag 2. The reader 30 transmits the received ID to the processor 21.

[0058] The processor 21 acquires the ID of the wireless tag 2 from the reader 30 through the reader interface 24. When multiple items are present in the container 100, the processor 21 acquires multiple IDs from the reader 30. For example, the processor 21 may continue acquiring the ID from the reader 30 for a predetermined period of time.

[0059] Furthermore, the processor 21 has a function of registering the read ID when a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed after the ID has been read. The waiting time is from a few seconds to about 10 seconds. Here, the waiting time is 10 seconds.

[0060] When the processor 21 reads the ID, it starts a timer. When the timer starts, the processor 21 displays on the display unit 50 the time remaining until the waiting time has elapsed.

[0061] 4 shows an example of a display screen on which the processor 21 displays the remaining time. As shown in FIG.

[0062] A display area 61 shows the item to be registered. That is, a display area 62 shows the name of the item indicated by the read ID.

[0063] For example, the memory 22 stores in advance a table associating IDs with names of items. The processor 21 refers to the memory 22 and acquires the name of the item corresponding to the read ID. The processor 21 displays the acquired name in the display area 61. The processor 21 may acquire the name of the item from the server 10 or the like.

[0064] The display area 62 displays the remaining time until the waiting time has elapsed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the display area 62 displays the remaining time in units of seconds. That is, the display area 62 displays the remaining time while counting down. The display area 62 also displays a circle that encloses the remaining time. The circumference of the displayed circle is displayed in a complete state when the number of seconds of the remaining time changes. The circumference gradually shortens from the complete state, and disappears in one second.

[0065] The configuration of the display screen displayed by the processor 21 is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0066] When the waiting time has elapsed since reading the ID, the processor 21 registers the read ID as the ID of the wireless tag 2 attached to the loaded item. Here, the processor 21 transmits the read ID to the server 10 via the communication unit 23. The processor 21 may store the read ID in the memory 22.

[0067] Furthermore, the processor 21 has a function of, when it detects that the article has been reset before the waiting time has elapsed, reading again the ID from the wireless tag 2 attached to the article using the reader 30.

[0068] The processor 21 determines whether the article has been removed during the standby time. Here, the processor 21 determines whether the container 100 has been removed from the weight sensor 40 during the standby time.

[0069] The processor 21 determines whether the weight indicated by the sensor signal from the weight sensor 40 is less than a predetermined threshold (second threshold). If the processor 21 determines that the weight indicated by the sensor signal is less than the second threshold, the processor 21 determines that the item has been removed.

[0070] When it is determined that the article has been removed, the processor 21 determines whether the container 100 has been loaded again onto the weight sensor 40. That is, the processor 21 determines whether the weight indicated by the sensor signal exceeds the first threshold value.

[0071] When the processor 21 determines that the weight indicated by the sensor signal exceeds the first threshold, the processor 21 determines that the item has been loaded again. When the processor 21 determines that the item has been loaded again, the processor 21 discards the read ID. That is, the processor 21 does not register the read ID.

[0072] After discarding the read ID, the processor 21 again reads the ID from the wireless tag 2 attached to the article using the reader 30. After reading the ID from the wireless tag 2, the processor 21 registers the read ID after the waiting time has elapsed, as described above.

[0073] If the waiting time has elapsed without determining that the container 100 has been reloaded after it has been determined that the article has been removed, the processor 21 registers the read ID.

[0074] Next, an example of the operation of the tag reader 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the tag reader 20. As shown in FIG.

[0075] First, the processor 21 of the tag reader 20 determines whether the container 100 has been set using the weight sensor 40 (ACT11). If it is determined that the container 100 has not been set (ACT11, NO), the processor 21 returns to ACT11.

[0076] When it is determined that the container 100 has been set (ACT11, YES), the processor 21 uses the reader 30 to read the ID from the wireless tag 2 attached to the article in the container 100 (ACT12).

[0077] When the ID is read, the processor 21 starts a timer (ACT13). That is, the processor 21 resets the timer and starts timing. When the timer is started, the processor 21 displays a display screen showing the remaining time on the display unit 50 through the display interface 26 (ACT14).

[0078] When the display screen is displayed, the processor 21 uses the weight sensor 40 to determine whether the container 100 has been removed (ACT15). If it is determined that the container 100 has not been removed (ACT15, NO), the processor 21 determines whether the standby time has elapsed (ACT16).

[0079] If it is determined that the waiting time has not elapsed (ACT16, NO), the processor 21 returns to ACT15.

[0080] When it is determined that the container 100 has been removed (ACT15, YES), the processor 21 uses the weight sensor 40 to determine whether the container 100 has been set again (ACT17). When it is determined that the container 100 has not been set again (ACT17, NO), the processor 21 proceeds to ACT16.

[0081] When it is determined that the container 100 has been set again (ACT17, YES), the processor 21 discards the read ID (ACT18). After discarding the read ID, the processor 21 returns to ACT12.

[0082] When it is determined that the waiting time has elapsed (ACT16, YES), the processor 21 registers the read ID (ACT19). After registering the read ID, the processor 21 ends the operation.

[0083] The processor 21 may use another sensor to detect the setting or removal of the container 100. For example, the tag reading device 20 may include a transmission or reflection type photoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a switch as a sensor for detecting the setting or removal of the container 100. The sensor for detecting the setting or removal of the container 100 is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0084] The processor 21 may also settle the item based on the registered ID.

[0085] Furthermore, the processor 21 may detect that an article having a wireless tag 2 attached thereto is loaded without using the container 100. In other words, the processor 21 may detect that an article having a wireless tag 2 attached thereto is loaded directly.

[0086] In addition, the wireless tag 2 does not have to be attached to an article. In this case, the wireless tag 2 is loaded onto the tag reader 20.

[0087] The tag reading device 20 may also acquire an ID from a wireless tag 2 attached to an article that is set in a place other than on top of the tag reading device 20. For example, the tag reading device 20 may acquire an ID from a wireless tag 2 attached to an article that is set in a predetermined position around the tag reading device 20, such as next to the tag reading device 20.

[0088] When an article with a wireless tag attached is set in the tag reader configured as described above, the tag reader reads the ID from the wireless tag without any operation from an operator. Therefore, the tag reader can register the ID without the process of an operator inputting an operation.

[0089] Furthermore, if the item is reset before the standby time has elapsed after the tag reader has read the ID, it discards the ID it read and reads a new ID. Therefore, if the tag reader fails to read the ID, it will read the ID again if the operator resets the item. As a result, the tag reader can read and register the ID from the wireless tag again without the operator having to enter any operations.

[0090] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. 。 [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...tag reading system, 2...wireless tag, 10...server, 11...processor, 12...memory, 13...communication unit, 14...operation unit, 15...display unit, 20...tag reading device, 21...processor, 22...memory, 23...communication unit, 24...reader interface, 25...sensor interface, 26...display interface, 27...operation interface, 28...operation unit, 30...reader, 40...weight sensor, 50...display unit, 61...display area, 62...display area, 100...container.

Claims

1. A sensor that detects that an article has been set; a reader for transmitting and receiving data to and from a wireless tag attached to the article; When the sensor detects that the item has been placed, the reader reads an ID from the wireless tag; When a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the ID was read, the ID is registered, when it is detected by the sensor that the article has been reset before the waiting time has elapsed since the ID was read, the ID is read from the wireless tag by the reader; A processor; A tag reading device comprising:

2. A display unit that displays the name of the item corresponding to the read ID. The tag reader of claim 1 .

3. The display unit displays the remaining time until the waiting time has elapsed. The tag reader according to claim 2 .

4. The sensor is a weight sensor. A tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The processor detects that the article has been set when a weight indicated by a sensor signal from the weight sensor exceeds a weight of a container into which the article is to be placed.

5. The tag reader according to claim 4.

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